2005 MITSUBISHI LANCER

6 recalls — 27 complaints

18V220000 Apr 5, 2018
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Defect Description
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2004-2006 Mitsubishi Lancer vehicles that previously received a like-for-like passenger side frontal air bag inflator under recall 15V321 as interim remedy. Also recalled are 2004-2006 Lancer vehicles located in Guam or Saipan that p... Read more
Consequence
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will install a final replacement passenger side frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on April 26, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-005.
17,120 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
17V569000 Sep 14, 2017
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Defect Description
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain 2004-2006 Lancer and Lancer Evolution vehicles and 2004 Lancer Sportback vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause th... Read more
Consequence
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with a different inflator, free of charge. The recall began on October 12, 2017. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-17-001. Note: ... Read more
66,001 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
16V458000 Jun 23, 2016
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
Defect Description
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2002-2007 Lancer, 2004 Lancer Wagon, 2003-2006 Lancer Evolution, 2003-2006 Outlander and 2007-2013 Outlander V-6 vehicles originally sold in, or ever registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, ... Read more
Consequence
A detached front control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied or the front cross member will be replaced with a new one that has a sealing/anti-corrosion agent applied to it. These repa... Read more
194,674 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
09E025000 May 11, 2009
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Defect Description
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES... Read more
Consequence
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
42,540 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: DOPE, INC.
06E064000 Jul 17, 2006
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Defect Description
CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED ... Read more
Consequence
LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
TRADESONIC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRADESONIC AT 626-934-8884.
4,029 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: TRADESONIC
06E023000 Mar 13, 2006
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Defect Description
CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPME... Read more
Consequence
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.
292,000 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: ANZO USA, INC.

Complaint Statistics

27 total complaints 3 crashes 2 injuries

Top Reported Components

ComponentComplaints
AIR BAGS9
SUSPENSION2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS1
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC1
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL1
WHEELS1
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION1
STEERING Nov 24, 2025
Incident date: Nov 24, 2025
The steering column on my 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer ES detached while driving. The entire column dropped down from its mounting brackets, causing loss of control. This is a serious safety hazard. The mount bolts were intact previously, but they came loose or the bracket failed without warning. This cou... Read more
EXTERIOR LIGHTING Jul 29, 2020
Incident date: Apr 10, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CUP FROM THE BALL JOINTS, THE FRONT END, TIE ROD, UNKNOWN WIRING HARNESS AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN MITSUBISHI DEALER HOWEVER, WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER ... Read more
SUSPENSION Jul 29, 2020
Incident date: Apr 10, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CUP FROM THE BALL JOINTS, THE FRONT END, TIE ROD, UNKNOWN WIRING HARNESS AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN MITSUBISHI DEALER HOWEVER, WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER ... Read more
ENGINE Jul 29, 2020
Incident date: Apr 10, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CUP FROM THE BALL JOINTS, THE FRONT END, TIE ROD, UNKNOWN WIRING HARNESS AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN MITSUBISHI DEALER HOWEVER, WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER ... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM May 30, 2019
Incident date: Jan 10, 2018
THE SIGNAL LIGHTS STOP WORKING ALSO THE HAZARDS. THE HORN REMAINS ON. A LOT OF PEOPLE SAY THAT IS A PROBLEM OF THE CAR INSIDE BODY THAT TAKE THE CONNECTOR OF THE JUNCTION BLOCK AND CORRODE THEM. A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE THIS PROBLEMS. THE PROBLEM IS IN MOTION AND STATIONARY.
AIR BAGS Apr 11, 2019
Incident date: Apr 11, 2019
I SOLD THIS CAR LAST JULY 2018 THROUGH A TRADE-IN. PLEASE STOP SENDING ME ALL OF THESE HORRIFYING REMINDERS. IT IS NOT APPRECIATED. PLEASE REMOVE MY NAME AND ADDRESS FROM ALL MAILING LISTS. I DID NOT GET IT DONE WHEN I OWNED THE CAR AS THE DEALERSHIP WAS QUITE A DRIVE AND I COULD NOT DROP IT OFF... Read more
SUSPENSION Nov 26, 2018
Incident date: Jun 20, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CROSS MEMBER FRACTURED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE FRONT UPPER AND LOWER CONTROL ARMS DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO BELL MITSUBISHI (1500 US-1, RAHWAY, NJ 07065, (732) ... Read more
STRUCTURE Nov 26, 2018
Incident date: Jun 20, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CROSS MEMBER FRACTURED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE FRONT UPPER AND LOWER CONTROL ARMS DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO BELL MITSUBISHI (1500 US-1, RAHWAY, NJ 07065, (732) ... Read more
AIR BAGS Feb 8, 2018
Incident date: Feb 8, 2018
RECEIVED NOTICE OF A RECALL ON THE PASS. SIDE AIRBAG. CALLED LOCAL DEALER, OUT OF BUSINESS (GREENVILLE MITSUBISHI). NEXT CLOSEST DEALER IS 2 COUNTIES AWAY (DON HERRING MITSUBISHI PLANO), SPOKE TO BENNY. SAID IT'S A 5-HOUR REPAIR AND THEY ARE OPEN ON SATURDAY, BUT WILL NOT PERFORM THE RECALL ON SATUR... Read more
AIR BAGS Oct 19, 2017
Incident date: Oct 2, 2017
AIRBAG DEFECT
STRUCTURE:BODY Sep 9, 2015
Incident date: May 1, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE FLOOR MAT WAS REMOVED ON THE DRIVER SIDE AND IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE FLOOR BOARD HAD EXCESSIVE RUST AND FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWAR... Read more
AIR BAGS Aug 10, 2015
Incident date: Aug 10, 2015
I RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE BY MAIL FROM MITSUBISHI MOTORS SALES OF CARIBBEAN ON JUNE, I CALL TO A DEALERSHIP THEY TOLD ME THAT I HAVE TO WAIT MY TURN AND TO WAIT THE INFLATOR TO BE AVAILABLE, WE ARE IN AUGUST AND STILL NO NOTICE, I CALL THEM TODAY AND THEY TOLD ME I HAVE TO WAIT MY TURN, I CA... Read more
AIR BAGS Jul 27, 2015
Incident date: Jul 24, 2015
GOOD DAY, I RECENTLY GOT A SAFETY RECALL LETTER FROM MITSUBISHI ABOUT A POSSIBLE DEFECT IN MY CAR'S AIRBAGS THAT WHEN DEPLOYED COULD CAUSE METAL FRAGMENTS TO IMPACT MY FACE AND BODY AND POSSIBLY CAUSE DEATH. THE PROBLEM I'M HAVING IS, ON THE LETTER THEY STATED THAT ALL THE REPAIRS WOULD BE AT NO-... Read more
AIR BAGS Jun 23, 2015
Incident date: Jun 23, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V321000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS NEEDED WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER EXPECTED THE CONTACT TO SCHEDULE A REPAIR AT A DEALER THAT WAS OUT OF STATE AND NOT A LOCAL AUTHORIZED DEALE... Read more
AIR BAGS Nov 25, 2014
Incident date: Oct 1, 2014
THE SRS LIGHT CAME ON IN MY LANCER. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY THE MECHANIC THE PART WILL TAKE OVER A MONTH TO ARRIVE AS A RESULT OF A RECALL. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE AIR BAG NO LONGER WORKS. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Jun 29, 2012
Incident date: Jun 29, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, SHE NOTICES THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ACCELERATING INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SLOW DOWN THE VEHICLE BY UTILIZING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS N... Read more
AIR BAGS Apr 26, 2010
Incident date: Apr 26, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THREE DEER. THE HEADLIGHTS WERE DESTROYED, THE FRONT FELL OFF OF THE VEHICLE, AND THE PASSENGER SIDE FENDER WAS PUSHED IN. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY BUT THE SRS AIR BA... Read more
Crash
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE Mar 4, 2010
Incident date: Sep 28, 2004
FUEL GAUGE SHOWS MORE FUEL THAN IS IN THE TANK UNTIL THE GAGE SHOWS HALF FULL. WHEN IT SHOWS HALF FULL, THERE IS PROBABLY 4 GALLONS LEFT IN THE TANK. *TR
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION Oct 23, 2009
Incident date: Oct 22, 2009
HELLO MY NAME IS RYAN GIROUARD, I OWN A 2005 MITSUBISHI RALLIART SEDAN,MY MASTER CYLINDER BROKE DOWN DRIVING ON ROAD ALMOST CAUSING A SERIOUS ACCIDENT, WARRANTY CLAIMED TO BE NOT COVERED, MASTER CYLINDER BLED OUT COMPLETELY. IS THERE A WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THIS PART? AND IS MY CLUTCH PLATE DAMAGED... Read more
WHEELS Sep 2, 2008
Incident date: Sep 1, 2008
#1- REMOVING BOTH FRONT TIRES FOR BRAKE MAINTENANCE, AND CLEANING OF THE TIRE-WELL. #2- THREE OF THE BOLTS SECURING THE TIRE TO THE RIM FAILED. ONE SNAP UNDER LIGHT PRESSURE (RIGHT SIDE), TWO OF THE BOLTS WERE STRIP BY THE LOCKING NUT, RENDERING THEM USELESS (LEFT SIDE). THIS CAR FEATURE ANTI-TH... Read more
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL Oct 19, 2007
Incident date: May 31, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MITSUBISHI LANCER. WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SUDDENLY WENT STRAIGHT TO THE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE JERKED FORWARD AND THE ENGINE REVVED. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES AND PLACED THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL TO PREVENT IT FROM SURGING. HE SHUT OFF TH... Read more
AIR BAGS Sep 24, 2007
Incident date: Sep 1, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MITSUBISHI LANCER. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL AND THE REAR DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. SHE SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. AS OF SEPTEMBER 24, 2007, THE INSURANCE COMPANY HAD ... Read more
Crash 1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL Jun 20, 2007
Incident date: Jun 3, 2007
I PURCHASED A 2005 LANCER AND MY DECISION FOR THE PURCHASE WAS BECAUSE OF THE 4 AIR BAGS. I TOTALED THE CAR AND ALL FOUR AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CAR WAS TOTALED ON 6-3-07 WITH ALOT OF DAMAGE TO THE UNDERCARRIAGE. PLEASE EXPLAIN WHY THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK
Crash 1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Jul 15, 2006
Incident date: Jul 15, 2006
2005 LANCER ES, MANUAL TRANSMISSION, PURCHASED 8-11-05 IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. APPROXIMATELY 8,500 MILES, BEGAN TO HEAR RUBBING SOUNDS WHEN SLOWING FROM HIGH SPEED- THOUGHT IT NEEDED ALIGNMENT, SO TOOK IT IN, HAD WHEELS ALIGNED, AND ROTATED, (ALREADY HAD PREVIOUS ALIGNMENT AND ROTATION @ 6,000 MILES... Read more
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR Nov 22, 2005
Incident date: Oct 26, 2005
REAR GLASS RATTLING OVER BUMPS. *JB
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS Nov 14, 2005
Incident date: Apr 18, 2005
BRAKE FAILURE AT 7032 MI BRAKES COMPLETELY METAL TO METAL LOSS OF MOST BRAKING FUNCTIONS VERY POOR RESPONSE TIME,BRAKE PADS REPLACED,BRAKE FAILURE AGAIN AT 13560 BRAKES AGAIN METAL TO METAL VERY POOR RESPONSE TIME,BRAKE PADS REPLACED AGAIN,BRAKE FAILURE AGAIN AT 18500 AGAIN BRAKES METAL TO METAL LOS... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION Jan 13, 2005
Incident date: Jan 13, 2005
NO OUT OF THE ORDINARY EVENTS LEAD UP TO THE FAILURE. MY VEHICLE, WHICH IS A DAILY DRIVER CAR WOULD ONCE IN A WHILE "STUMBLE" THEN THROW A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. AFTER THIS I WOULD GO TO MY DEALER OR AN AUTOSHOP AND HAVE THE "PULL THE CODE" USING A ODB II ERROR SCAN TOOL. EVERYTHING IT WAS THE SAME ... Read more

EPA Fuel Economy — 2005 MITSUBISHI LANCER

Trim / Engine City MPG Highway MPG Combined MPG Fuel Type Annual Fuel Cost
2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) 22.0 28.0 24.0 Regular $2,500
2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) 24.0 31.0 26.0 Regular $2,300
2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) 20.0 26.0 22.0 Regular $2,700
2.4L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) 20.0 27.0 23.0 Regular $2,600

CO2 Emissions: 370.3 g/mile (Compact Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

MITSUBISHI LANCER — All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the MITSUBISHI LANCER across all model years (2002–2016).

69 Total Recalls
1,136 Total Complaints
0 Investigations
155 Reported Crashes
19 Reported Fires
3 Reported Deaths

MITSUBISHI LANCER — Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year Recalls Complaints
2017 0 7 View
2016 3 38 View
2015 1 36 View
2014 0 23 View
2013 0 9 View
2012 1 26 View
2011 3 51 View
2010 9 66 View
2009 11 139 View
2008 8 126 View
2007 3 3 View
2006 7 52 View
2005 (current) 6 27
2004 7 96 View
2003 6 241 View
2002 4 194 View
2000 0 1 View
1996 0 1 View

Other MITSUBISHI Models

Model Recalls Complaints
OUTLANDER 352 1,784 View
OUTLANDER PHEV 157 36 View
ECLIPSE 131 2,788 View
OUTLANDER SPORT 91 719 View
GALANT 65 2,435 View
MIRAGE 53 941 View
MONTERO 47 994 View
ECLIPSE SPYDER 34 285 View